Nigeria, Niger rekindle strategic ties as foreign minister tuggar leads high-level mission to niamey

By: Zagazola Makama

In a significant diplomatic overture aimed at restoring trust and strengthening regional cooperation, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is set to lead a high-level mission to the Republic of Niger on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, where he will deliver a special message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Head of State of Niger Republic.

The visit marks a major turning point in Nigeria–Niger relations, which became strained following the July 2023 coup in Niger. Tuggar, who is conveying President Tinubu’s goodwill message, is also expected to engage in deeper discussions with his Nigerien counterpart on a range of critical issues including security, regional trade, economic development, and cross-border collaboration.

The mission comes at a time of intense regional transformation. With Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a new security vacuum has emerged in the region. Yet, the planned engagement between Nigeria and Niger signals a clear intent to transcend these geopolitical shifts and reaffirm traditional bilateral ties anchored in mutual respect and shared interests.

The Nigerian delegation, composed of senior diplomats, policy advisers, and defence liaison officers, seeks to engage Nigerien authorities in charting a new course of strategic collaboration, with emphasis on mutual security, economic resilience, and people-centered diplomacy.

According to diplomatic sources, the Minister will be received by top government officials in Niamey, with a plan to have an audience with President Abdourahamane Tchiani, with whom he is expected to discuss ways of mending fences and restoring structured bilateral dialogue between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

For Niger, this diplomatic overture presents an opportunity to reconcile with a powerful neighbor and longtime ally. As Nigeria’s top diplomat, Tuggar’s visit symbolizes not only continuity in relations but a renewed offer of partnership on behalf of President Tinubu, one that could be instrumental in Niger’s reintegration into regional stability frameworks.

Strengthening security through diplomacy

Nigeria has consistently offered its non-kinetic counterterrorism experience to its Sahelian neighbors, and this visit will spotlight initiatives such as Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and other regional security initiatives aimed at fostering peace and stability and development of the two regions.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry believes that showcasing these strategies could inform Niger’s own efforts to stabilize its territory without depending solely on military action. The presence of top security policy advisers in the delegation underlines the inter-agency coordination Nigeria hopes to export as a regional model.

Reopening trade and people-to-people ties

Beyond security, the visit is equally strategic from an economic standpoint. The trade corridor linking Nigeria’s northern states Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa with Niger’s Zinder and Maradi regions is vital for the movement of agricultural products, livestock, petroleum derivatives, and manufactured goods.

Increased insecurity, political fallout, and border closures have disrupted this trade flow, hurting thousands of informal and formal traders. Rebuilding trust and establishing security frameworks could lead to the reopening of border markets, establishment of joint border patrol mechanisms, and reactivation of cross-border infrastructure projects.

According to one of the diplomatic dellegate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s approach remains one of “peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and shared progress.” The ministry is keen on ensuring that “no Sahelian country is left behind in the pursuit of African stability.”

He emphasized that this diplomatic engagement is not just about bilateral relations, it’s about reshaping regional security through collaboration. The recent visit of the African Economic and Security (AES) Bloc to Nigeria highlighted the country’s leadership in non-kinetic counterterrorism efforts. Building on that momentum, this mission to Niger is expected to consolidate partnerships forged outside traditional multilateral bodies like ECOWAS.

The Foreign Minister’s Advisory Group, which includes senior diplomats, strategic communication experts, and regional analysts, is expected to present a series of proposals to Nigerien authorities focused on border security, economic revitalization, and people-centered diplomacy.

Nigeria’s consistent leadership in the Sahel

Despite geopolitical turbulence, Nigeria has remained a stabilizing force in the Sahel. Its refusal to sever ties with Niger after the coup, and its ongoing humanitarian and development assistance to displaced populations, illustrates a deeper commitment to regional peace.

This visit reflects the recalibration of Nigerian diplomacy under Minister Tuggar’s leadership one that prioritizes quiet engagement over coercion, dialogue over division, and long-term partnerships over short-term political wins.

As the talks is set to unfold in Niamey, many in both countries are optimistic that this could mark a new era of cooperation one where borders are no longer lines of division, but bridges of unity and shared prosperity.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.

Nigeria, Niger rekindle strategic ties as foreign minister tuggar leads high-level mission to niamey

Nigeria, UNDP Deepen Commitment to Strengthening Democracy in West Africa
through the Regional Partnership for Democracy

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) Nigeria have reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing democratic governance across West Africa through the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)—a strategic initiative aimed at promoting inclusive, accountable, and resilient political systems across the sub-region.

During a high-level engagement held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, hosted the UNDP
Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, for a progress review and strategic dialogue
on the RPD initiative.

The engagement reaffirmed a strong, collective commitment to deepening democratic governance and institutional resilience across West Africa. It underscored the importance of strengthening the rule of law, safeguarding the independence and effectiveness of core democratic institutions, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, and electoral bodies, and expanding civic space to foster inclusive and participatory governance. This creates an opportunity for regional cooperation to consolidating democratic progress, promoting peace and stability, and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations for a transparent, accountable, and responsive
leadership.

Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s unique leadership role within the African Union
(AU) in driving regional approaches to governance reform. He highlighted the Ministry’s resolve to work closely with UNDP and other key actors to align national strategies with regional frameworks to foster more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable democratic outcomes.

The Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) seeks to provide a platform for African-led and context-specific solutions to democratic challenges. It brings together governments, civil society, academia, media, and development partners to design and implement innovative reforms rooted in African values and democratic principles.

UNDP reiterated its support for the RPD through the provision of technical assistance, institutional capacity strengthening, research-informed policy development, and monitoring
and evaluation. Ms. Attafuah reaffirmed UNDP’s dedication to working in partnership with the Nigerian government to scale the impact of the initiative across West Africa.
The programme will be piloted across West Africa, with Nigeria not only providing political leadership but also playing a central operational role in shaping the design, implementation,and knowledge-sharing processes.

This renewed partnership represents a significant step forward in the implementation phase of the RPD and reflects Nigeria’s sustained commitment to promoting democratic resilience, rule of law, and inclusive governance across the West African sub-region.

Nigeria, UNDP Deepen Commitment to Strengthening Democracy in West Africa
through the Regional Partnership for Democracy

Engr. Joseph Onaiwu Uworuya: Celebrating a Legacy of Love, Wisdom, and Strength at 70, By Augustine Osayande, PhD

By: Michael Mike

Reaching the remarkable milestone of 70 years is an extraordinary achievement, and today, we gather in spirit and gratitude to celebrate an exceptional man — Engr. Joseph Onaiwu Uworuya. As you mark this significant chapter of life, I want to take a moment to express my deepest admiration and heartfelt wishes on this special occasion.

You have been an extraordinary father — a source of unwavering strength, wisdom, and love. From my earliest memories, you have been a steadfast pillar of support, offering a guiding hand through life’s challenges and a calming presence in moments of uncertainty. Your quiet strength and profound integrity have shaped not only my character but also the values I hold dear.

You have always been there — guiding me, encouraging me, and showing love in the most selfless and genuine ways. Your advice has lifted me in moments of doubt, your encouragement has strengthened me when I faced uncertainty, and your pride in my successes — no matter how small — has always been a source of motivation. You have an incredible way of putting things into perspective, making life’s challenges feel less daunting, and offering calm and clarity in the midst of life’s storms.

It is not just the grand gestures that define your love; it is the quiet, everyday moments that matter most. The way you check in on me, make me laugh even when I don’t feel like smiling, and listen without judgment when I need to share my thoughts — these small yet profound acts of love have left an indelible mark on my life. You have taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and kindness — not just through words, but through the example of how you live your life.
Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring. You have faced life’s challenges with grace and courage, never allowing them to diminish your compassion and warmth. You have shown me that true strength is not just about standing tall — it is about lifting others up as you stand.

Your wisdom has always been a source of clarity and guidance. Even amidst life’s most difficult moments, your thoughtful advice and patient understanding have helped me navigate through it all. You have taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and faith — lessons that continue to shape my journey every day.

Yet beyond your strength and wisdom, it is your heart — full of love and compassion — that truly defines you. Your generosity extends not only to your family but to everyone fortunate enough to cross your path. You have built a legacy grounded in love, honesty, and integrity, touching lives in ways that will resonate for generations. Your moral compass and generosity of spirit have set an example for all of us to follow.

As you celebrate this incredible milestone, I want you to know how deeply you are loved and cherished. You have given so much to your family and your community, and today, we honor you with the same love and gratitude you have always shown us.

May your 70th birthday be a joyful celebration of a life well-lived — a life defined by purpose, impact, and love. I pray that the years ahead bring you continued health, peace, and happiness. May you always be surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and may your days be filled with laughter and fulfillment. You deserve every blessing this life has to offer.

You are truly one of a kind, and I am so proud to be your child. Your legacy of strength and love will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

On this special day, my prayer for you is that God continues to bless you with good health, happiness, and many more joyful years. You deserve all the love and celebration coming your way today and always.

Thank you for being my rock, my guide, and my biggest supporter. I am beyond blessed to have you in my life. I love you more than words can ever fully express.
Happy 70th birthday, Papa!
Augustine Osayande PhD austinelande@yahoo.com

Engr. Joseph Onaiwu Uworuya: Celebrating a Legacy of Love, Wisdom, and Strength at 70, By Augustine Osayande, PhD